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Higher Education Must Change in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Why Universities Must Change

Artificial Intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of our lives, from the way we work and communicate to how we learn and create knowledge. For higher education institutions, AI is not simply another technological innovation; it is a catalyst for fundamental change.

For centuries, universities have been the primary source of knowledge. Today, information is available instantly, and AI-powered tools can support research, writing, data analysis, and personalised learning. This shift challenges universities to rethink their role and to focus on what matters most: developing critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment, collaboration, and the ability to solve complex problems.

The question is no longer whether universities should adapt to AI, but how quickly and effectively they can do so.

Learning from Global Leaders

These challenges and opportunities were at the centre of the Google Higher Education Leader Series EMEA, a high-level event organised by Google on the 15^th-16^th of June, 2026, for leaders from higher education institutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The event explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning, research, and university management. Participants discussed emerging technologies, institutional strategies, and practical approaches to integrating AI into higher education while maintaining academic quality, integrity, and inclusiveness. Among the presenters, multiple leaders in AI were present:

• Klara Jelinkova, Vice President and University Chief Information Officer at Harvard University.
• Steven Johnson, co-creator of Google NotebookLM.
• Sam Holmes, Senior Managing Director at Accenture.
• David Shrier, Professor of Practice in AI & Innovation at Imperial College London.
• And many others.

However, the event was much more than a showcase of Google’s latest initiatives and technological advancements. It served as a platform for dialogue, networking, and collaboration among university leaders who are actively shaping the future of higher education.

VILNIUS TECH and MERIT at the Discussion Table

Representing VILNIUS TECH and the MERIT project, Professor Antanas Čenys participated in the event, engaging with higher education leaders, innovation experts, and technology specialists from across the EMEA region.

The discussions provided valuable insights into how leading universities are responding to the rapid development of AI. Equally important, the event created opportunities to establish new professional connections and build relationships with institutions facing similar challenges and pursuing similar ambitions.

These conversations generated fresh ideas and perspectives that can contribute to the further development of VILNIUS TECH. Exchanging experiences with peers from different countries highlighted innovative approaches to curriculum design, teaching methods, student engagement, and institutional transformation.

Bringing New Ideas Back to VILNIUS TECH

One of the strongest messages from the event was that universities must become more agile and future-oriented. AI should not be viewed merely as a tool but as a driver of institutional transformation.

For VILNIUS TECH, this means continuously evaluating how study programmes are designed and delivered. Future graduates will need not only technical knowledge but also the ability to work effectively alongside AI systems, evaluate AI-generated information critically, and apply technology responsibly in professional practice.

The ideas brought back from the Google event contribute to an ongoing discussion: how can VILNIUS TECH ensure that its study programmes remain at the frontier of technological and societal development?

Several key directions emerged:

• Integrating AI literacy across disciplines, not only in technology-related programmes.
• Updating curricula more dynamically to reflect rapidly evolving industry needs.
• Encouraging interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving.
• Equipping academic staff with the skills and tools needed to effectively use AI in teaching and assessment.
• Strengthening collaboration with industry and international partners to identify emerging competencies and future workforce requirements.
• Promoting responsible and ethical use of AI throughout the learning process.

Most of the directions are already applied or on the go. Meanwhile, the visionary idea of AI chatbot full integration into the classes got even bigger support and is now prioritised to start with, making sure the AI tools will be a bridge between each student and professor.

Teaching for the Future

The future university will not compete with AI; it will teach students how to work with it effectively. This requires a shift from traditional knowledge transmission toward more active, personalised, and project-based learning approaches. Educators will increasingly act as mentors, facilitators, and guides, helping students develop the human capabilities that remain essential in an AI-driven world.

Universities must also ensure that students understand both the opportunities and the risks associated with AI. Questions of ethics, transparency, trust, and responsible innovation are becoming just as important as technical skills.

Looking Ahead

Participation in the Google Higher Education Leader Series EMEA reinforced the importance of international collaboration and continuous innovation in higher education. Through the MERIT project and its broader international engagement, VILNIUS TECH continues to seek opportunities to learn from global best practices, establish meaningful partnerships, and explore new approaches to teaching and learning.

The agreement on the MERIT competency monitoring tool’s wider application, micro-credential formalisation among different institutions, and ideas for joint activities were started at this event and are waiting for their full implementation.

The connections established and ideas exchanged during the event provide valuable inspiration for future developments. They support a shared goal: ensuring that VILNIUS TECH remains at the forefront of higher education, offering study programmes that prepare students not only for today’s challenges but also for the opportunities of tomorrow.